Northern Vietnam , Vietnam

Bac Ha Market full day tour from Sapa

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About this experience

This full day tour offers you a chance to visit and explore a traditional market in Sapa named Bac Ha market. Joining this tour, you will see different ethnic minority people working in the market, such as Hmong, Phu La, Back Dzao, Tay or Nung people. Especially, you will enjoy a boat ride along the Chay River and a visit to a Tay Village.

Available options

Private tour

Private tour<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Local English speaking tour guide (Other language upon request)

Lunch at the local restaurant

Water during transfer

Boat on Chay River (if any)

Air-conditioned vehicle

Entrance fee as mentioned in the program

Detailed itinerary

Bac Ha market is a the largest one in the area. It opens on every Sunday.

Upon your arrival here, you will be taken to stroll around and explore the market. Coming here, you will not only see different ethnic minority people in their colourful traditional dress, such as Hmong, Phu La, Back Dzao, Tay or Nung minorities, but also see a wide range of homemade product sold by the locals.

Following the nice lunch and a short rest, in the afternoon, you will continue the tour by driving downhill to Lao Cai. It will take you about 1 hour. En route, you will stop and take a short walk to visit Trung Do village where Tay people are living. When exploring the village, you can stop and enter a traditional Tay house to enjoy a cup of tea. Then, you will embark on a boat to cruise upstream the Chay River. The boat trip ends at Bao Nhai bridge where a vehicle is waiting for you to transfer you back to Lao Cai. The tour ends when you arrive at your hotel.

What's not included

Any services not mentioned in the program

Drinks, other meals, TIP and personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Public transportation options are available nearby

About Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is a region rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay, this area offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers.

Top Attractions

Ha Long Bay

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands.

Nature 2-3 days for a comprehensive experience Moderate to Expensive (depending on cruise type)

Hanoi Old Quarter

The historic heart of Hanoi, known for its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and vibrant markets.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 days Free to explore, budget for shopping and dining

Sapa

A picturesque town in the mountains, known for its terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages.

Nature/Cultural 2-3 days Moderate

Ninh Binh

Known as 'Halong Bay on land' for its stunning limestone karsts and ancient temples.

Nature/Historical 1-2 days Budget to Moderate

Ha Giang Loop

A challenging and scenic motorbike route through the remote mountains of Northern Vietnam.

Adventure 3-5 days Moderate to Expensive (depending on tour type)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pho

A noodle soup with beef or chicken, served with fresh herbs and lime. It's a national dish and a must-try in Northern Vietnam.

Breakfast/Lunch Can be made vegetarian/vegan (Pho Chay)

Bun Cha

Grilled pork patties served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. A specialty of Hanoi.

Lunch/Dinner Contains pork, can be made vegetarian (Bun Chay)

Banh Mi

A baguette sandwich filled with various ingredients such as pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, and chili sauce. A popular street food item.

Snack/Lunch Can be made vegetarian

Egg Coffee

A unique Hanoi specialty made with egg yolks, condensed milk, and strong coffee. Served hot or iced.

Drink Contains dairy and eggs

Popular Activities

Motorbike the Ha Giang Loop Trekking in Sapa Kayaking in Ha Long Bay Boat rides in Tam Coc Spa and wellness treatments in Hanoi Coffee tasting in Hanoi Explore Hanoi Old Quarter Visit temples in Ninh Binh

Best Time to Visit

March to April and September to November

These months offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and with street vendors

Northern Vietnam is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas. Be cautious with your belongings and use common sense.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious with street food and drink only bottled or filtered water
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

Noi Bai International Airport • 30 km from Hanoi city center
Cat Bi International Airport • 5 km from Hai Phong city center

By train

Hanoi Railway Station, Hai Phong Railway Station

By bus

Hanoi Giap Bat Bus Station, Hanoi My Dinh Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are affordable and cover most areas, but they can be crowded and slow due to traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Hanoi Old Quarter French Quarter Tay Ho

Day trips

Ha Long Bay

165 km from Hanoi • 2-3 days for a comprehensive experience

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands. A multi-day cruise is the best way to experience the bay.

Ninh Binh

90 km from Hanoi • 1-2 days

Known as 'Halong Bay on land' for its stunning limestone karsts and ancient temples. The area offers beautiful boat rides and scenic countryside.

Mai Chau

130 km from Hanoi • 2-3 days

A picturesque valley known for its rice fields, ethnic minority villages, and homestays. It's a great place to experience rural Vietnamese life.

Festivals

Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year) • January or February (varies each year) Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (varies each year)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Hire a local guide for trekking and cultural experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the region
Try street food at busy stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness and safety
Use app-based transportation services like Grab for convenient and reliable taxis
Carry small change for markets, street vendors, and public transportation